The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health has noted that the simultaneous detection of multiple new subvariants of Omicron may explain the recent increase in Covid-19 cases in the city.
On April 23, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health announced that from community epidemiological surveillance samples collected by the Health Center for Disease Control (HCDC) and the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, new subvariants of Omicron were identified, including: XBB.1.5, XBB.1.9.1, XBB.1.16, and XBB.1.16.1.
Residents in Ho Chi Minh City receiving Covid-19 vaccinations at the end of 2021. (Photo: Phuong Lam).
Specifically, between April 8 and 14, 11 out of 13 surveillance samples conducted by HCDC tested positive for the new subvariant. In addition to the recently discovered subvariant in the city (XBB.1.5), there were also 7 samples belonging to other new subvariants: XBB.1.9.1, XBB.1.16, and XBB.1.16.1.
According to this agency, the new subvariants detected in Ho Chi Minh City are also the same subvariants that have been present in many countries around the world and have been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as variants of interest (VOI) or variants under monitoring (VUMs).
“What is concerning is that in addition to a new subvariant classified as a variant of interest (XBB.1.5), which has appeared in 95 countries, there is also the XBB.1.16 subvariant that has just been classified by WHO as a variant under monitoring”, noted the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health calls on residents to strictly adhere to Covid-19 prevention recommendations. (Photo: Nhat Sinh).
This subvariant has appeared in over 20 countries and is contributing to the rising wave of cases in India.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health believes that the simultaneous discovery of many new Omicron subvariants prevalent worldwide may explain the sudden increase in new Covid-19 cases in Ho Chi Minh City and in many provinces across the country in recent days.
Currently, there are no reports from countries around the world indicating a link between variants of interest (VOI) or variants under monitoring (VUMs) and a more severe Covid-19 illness globally. However, the reality shows that an increase in new cases will inevitably lead to an increase in hospitalizations.
On the other hand, most hospitalized cases are individuals from high-risk groups, including those who have not received the full Covid-19 vaccination as per the Ministry of Health’s regulations. Therefore, residents need to actively work alongside local authorities to participate in the campaign to protect at-risk individuals recently launched by the city.
In light of the rising number of new cases and hospitalizations due to Covid-19, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health advises residents to strictly implement Covid-19 prevention measures following the 2K message (Masks, Disinfection) + vaccination.
This includes remembering to wear masks when using public transport, visiting public places, healthcare facilities, enclosed spaces, and mandatory locations according to the Ministry of Health’s guidelines.
Residents should also regularly disinfect, especially hand hygiene, and receive complete Covid-19 vaccinations. Additionally, during participation in social activities, production labor, or studying, individuals living in the same household may carry the virus and infect family members at risk.
